Supporting device for an interior layout assembly of an aircraft cabin, related assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A supporting device for an interior layout assembly of an aircraft cabin, a related assembly and method are provided. The device includes a stationary frame; a table that can be deployed relative to the frame between a retracted position and a horizontal deployed position; a mechanism for guiding the movement of the table relative to the frame between the retracted position and the deployed horizontal position. The guide mechanism defines at least one bearing point for the table during its passage from the retracted position to the deployed horizontal position, the bearing point having a globally invariable position relative to the frame, the table being configured to pivot on the bearing point while moving laterally away relative to the bearing point, by sliding on the bearing point, to the deployed position.

This claims the benefit of French Patent Application FR 15 00207, filedFeb. 4, 2015 and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to a support device for an interior layoutassembly of an aircraft cabin, comprising:

a stationary frame;

a table that can be deployed relative to the frame between a retractedposition and a horizontal deployed position;

a mechanism for guiding the movement of the table relative to the framebetween the retracted position and the deployed horizontal position.

Such a layout assembly is designed to be mounted in an aircraft cabin tocontribute to the comfort of the occupants of the cabin.

BACKGROUND

During a flight at cruising altitude, the passengers of an aircraft wishto have a table to perform various activities, such as working, eating,or more generally to hold various objects, such as books, portableelectronic devices, etc.

For safety reasons, aircraft certification requires that each tablepresent in the aircraft be retracted during certain flight phases, inparticular during takeoff and landing.

Also in some cases, passengers may wish, for their own comfort, for thetable to be retracted, for example so as to deploy a seat in order tolie down.

Known interior layout assemblies therefore comprise a lateral consoledefining a housing for receiving the table and a table retractable inthe lateral console.

In these assemblies, a cover mounted on the console closes off thehousing in the upward direction when the table is retracted, whichprovides an agreeable interior appearance.

In order to deploy the table, the cover is tilted to the open position,and remains kept in the open position once the table is deployed. Thetable then rests on the upper plate of the lateral console, protrudingrelative to the upper plate so as to provide a certain rigidity to thetable thus deployed, in particular when a force is exerted thereon.

Such an assembly is not fully aesthetically satisfactory when the tableis deployed. The cover remains open in this configuration and protrudesabove the plate of the table. This is not very aesthetically pleasing,and limits the accessibility to the area behind the support plate, andin particular to the object holding compartments that may be presentbehind the support plate.

Furthermore, the plate of the table is not flush with the upper plate ofthe lateral console. Additionally, the hinges of the deploymentmechanism of the table are visible to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a support devicecomprising a deployable table for an interior layout assembly of anaircraft, that is compact and esthetically pleasing, while having robustand rigid deployment kinematics.

A device of the aforementioned type is provided, characterized in thatthe guide mechanism defines at least one bearing point for the tableduring its passage from the retracted position to the deployedhorizontal position, the bearing point having a globally invariableposition relative to the frame, the table being configured to pivot onthe bearing point while moving laterally away relative to the bearingpoint, by sliding on the bearing point, to the deployed position.

The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of thefollowing features, considered alone or according to any technicallypossible combination:

the or each bearing point protrudes upward relative to the frame.

the guide mechanism includes a bearing member mounted rotating around astationary axis relative to the frame, the bearing point being definedon the bearing member.

the table includes a guide path for guiding the sliding of the table onthe bearing point.

the bearing point cooperates with the guide path.

the guide mechanism comprises a rail inserted in the table, the raildefining the guide path.

the table is able to press on the bearing point from the retractedposition to the deployed horizontal position, the guide mechanism beingconfigured so that the table follows a unique and reproducibletrajectory from the retracted position to the deployed horizontalposition.

the frame includes at least one substantially vertical leg, the guidemechanism comprising at least one guide path for guiding the table alongthe leg.

the guide path is arranged through the leg, the guide mechanismincluding a guide member movable jointly with the table, the guidemember being mounted in the guide path.

the guide mechanism comprises a rack, the guide member comprising atoothed wheel.

the table includes a carriage, the guide member being mounted rotatingin the carriage.

the upper end of the guide path is laterally offset relative to avertical axis passing through the bearing point, the guide path beinginclined relative to the vertical axis passing through the bearing pointor being parallel to the vertical axis passing through the bearingpoint.

the guide mechanism includes at least one elastic biasing member able todrive the table upward relative to the frame.

the elastic biasing member is mounted in the carriage between the guidemember and the carriage.

The invention also provides an interior layout assembly of an aircraftcabin, comprising:

a device as defined above,

a console defining a housing for receiving the table emerging through adeployment opening, the table being deployable through the deploymentopening between the retracted position arranged in the receiving housingand a deployed horizontal position; and

a cover, mounted on the console, the cover being movable between an openconfiguration for passage of the table and a closed configurationclosing off the deployment opening.

The assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of thefollowing features, considered alone or according to any technicallypossible combination:

the cover in the closed configuration and the console define a passageslot between them, able to receive the table in the deployed horizontalposition,

the assembly comprising a flap closing off the passage slot, movable bythe table from an active configuration closing the passage slot to aretracted configuration freeing the passage slot during the passage ofthe table from its retracted position to its deployed position;

at least one elastic return mechanism for returning the closing flap toits active configuration.

the closing flap in the active closing configuration is situated abovethe closing flap in the retracted configuration.

the table is able to bear on the closing flap during its passage fromthe retracted position to the horizontal deployed position to push theclosing flap downward in the retracted configuration under the effect ofthe weight of the table.

the closing flap and/or the table includes a least one member forsliding of the table on the closing flap.

the closing flap can be moved in translation between the active closingconfiguration and the retracted configuration.

the console has a stationary upper edge, downwardly defining the passageslot, the table bearing on sliding members situated on the closing flapin the deployed horizontal position, advantageously without contact withthe upper edge of the console.

the cover in the closed configuration is arranged above an upper surfaceof the table when the table is in the deployed horizontal position, thecover upwardly closing off the receiving housing.

the cover in the closed configuration is positioned above the closingflap when the table is in the retracted position, the cover closing offthe upward receiving housing.

the console has an upper surface for bearing objects, an upper wall ofthe cover in its closed configuration being flush with the upper bearingsurface.

the table includes a base panel and an additional panel articulated onthe base panel, the additional panel being folded on the base panelduring the passage of the table from the retracted position to thedeployed horizontal position.

The invention also provides an interior layout method of an aircraftcabin comprising the following steps:

providing a device as defined above, the table being in its retractedposition;

moving the table from its retracted position to its deployed horizontalposition, the table pressing on the bearing point and pivoting aroundthe bearing point while moving laterally away from the bearing point bysliding on the bearing point to the deployed position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood upon reading the followingdescription, provided solely as an example and done in reference to theappended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially from above, of a first interiorlayout assembly according to the invention, the table being in adeployed horizontal position;

FIG. 2 is a partial view, in cross-section along a vertical plane II, ofthe interior layout assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, the table being in a retractedposition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view similar to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the assembly of FIG. 1, during thedeployment of the table;

FIG. 6 is a view of the support device comprising the table and theguide frame of the table during the deployment of the table;

FIG. 7 is a perspective and partial cross-sectional view along avertical plane VII of the support device of FIG. 6, in the deployedhorizontal position of the table;

FIG. 8 is a side and partial sectional view along a vertical plane VIIof the support device of FIG. 6, in the deployed horizontal position ofthe table.

DETAILED DESRIPTION

Below, the terms “rear” and “front” are each to be understood generallyrelative to the deployment of the table. The term “rear” is preferablyto be understood as being closer to the table in its retracted position,while the term “front” is to be understood as being closer to the tablein its deployed position.

An interior layout assembly 10 of an aircraft cabin 12 according to anembodiment of the invention is illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 8.

The cabin 12 of the aircraft is laterally defined by the fuselage 14 anddownwardly defined by a floor 16. It extends here along an axis A-A′.

The layout assembly 10 is mounted in the cabin 12 to be accessible tothe occupants of the cabin 12. It includes a console 20, and a supportdevice 22, visible in FIG. 6, in particular including a frame 24 housedin the console 20 and a table 26 deployable between a position retractedin the console 20 and a deployed horizontal position, shown in FIG. 1.

The layout assembly 10 further includes a cover 28 for concealing thesupport device 22 in the retracted position of the table 26, and aretractable flap 30 for additional closure, mounted between the console20 and the cover 28, the structure and function of which will bedescribed in detail below.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the console 20 extends along a mainhorizontal axis B-B′ advantageously substantially parallel to thelongitudinal cabin axis A-A′, along the fuselage 14. Other orientationconfigurations of the console 20 are also possible.

The console 20 comprises a rounded flank 40 extending substantiallyvertically and an upper support plate 42 defining a substantiallyhorizontal object support surface 43.

The console 20 defines a housing 44 for receiving the support device 22,which here emerges upwardly through a deployment opening 46, visible inFIG. 5.

In reference to FIG. 3, the flank 40 comprises an outer trim 48 and aninner support 50 for guiding the closing flap 30, positioned near anupper edge 52 of the console 20, which here has a more slender uppershape.

The inner support 50 is positioned in the housing 44, behind the trim48. It defines a cavity 54 for sliding of the closing flap 30.

The upper plate 42 defines, behind the housing 44, a plurality ofcompartments for receiving objects 56, some of which are closed off by aflap.

It has two lateral bearing tongues 58, extending on both sides of thedeployment opening 46, around the cover 28.

The receiving housing 44 is laterally defined by the console 20. It isupwardly defined by the support plate 42, behind the deployment opening46, on the side of the fuselage 14 in FIG. 1. It extends substantiallyvertically from the floor 16 to the deployment opening 46.

The cover 28 is designed to upwardly close off the housing 44 at thedeployment opening 46, in the retracted position of the table 26, andalso in the deployed horizontal position of the table 26.

The cover 28 is movable between an open configuration for passage of thetable 26 and a closed configuration closing off the deployment opening46.

In this example, the cover 28 is articulated on the console 20 around ahinge pin. Advantageously, the hinge pin is parallel to the main axisB-B′. It extends behind the deployment opening 46.

The cover 28 includes an upper concealing wall 60, and in this example,two lateral feet 62, designed to be positioned around the table 26 inits deployed position.

In the closed configuration, the upper wall 60 is flush with the uppersurface 43 of the support plate 42. It is positioned above the table 26.It has a local thickness smaller than that of the table 26 in the regionin which it rests.

The feet 62 are positioned bearing on the upper edge 52 of the console20.

In this configuration, the cover 28 and the console 20 define ahorizontal slot 64 between them for the passage of the table 26, theoutline of which is shown in FIG. 4.

The slot 64 is defined downwardly by the upper edge 52, upwardly by theupper wall 60 of the cover 28, and on the sides, by the feet 62.

The housing 44 is then upwardly closed off by the cover 28, inparticular at the deployment opening 46, with the exception of the slot64.

As will be seen below, the table 26 is engaged through the slot 64 inthe deployed horizontal position. The closing flap 30 closes off theslot 64 in the retracted position of the table 26.

In the open configuration, shown in FIG. 5, the cover 28 has beenremoved and tilted backward to free the deployment opening 46 and allowaccess to the housing.

The closing flap 30 is mounted vertically movably on the console 20between an active configuration closing the slot 64, being its idleconfiguration, shown in FIG. 3, and a retracted configuration freeingthe slot 64, shown in FIG. 2. The layout assembly 10 includes at leastone elastic biasing mechanism 70 for biasing the flap 30 toward itsactive configuration closing the slot 64, advantageously at least twoparallel mechanisms 70 for elastically biasing the flap 30 toward itsactive configuration closing off the slot 64.

The flap 30 includes a trim strip 74 able to protrude in the passageslot 64, and advantageously at least one member 76 for sliding of thetable 26 on the strip 74, shown in FIG. 5.

The strip 74 is guided in translation along a vertical axis in thecavity 54 of the inner support 50. The movement of the closing flap 30between the active closing configuration and the retracted configurationis therefore done exclusively in translation along this axis. The flap30 therefore forms a retractable guillotine for closing off the slot 64.

The trim strip 74 has a slender shape that extends the shape of theupper edge 52 of the console 20. It has a substantially horizontal upperedge 78.

The closing flap 30 includes at least one sliding member 76. In thisexample, the closing flap 30 includes two sliding members 76 spacedapart along the trim strip 74.

Each sliding member 76 is mounted in the trim strip 74 while protrudingfrom the upper edge 78. In this example, each sliding member 76 isformed by a caster mounted rotating in the trim strip 74.

In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, each elastic biasing mechanism 70includes a movable rod 79 for moving the flap 30, a base 80 for guidingthe rod 79, mounted stationary on the console 20, and a spring 81inserted between the console 20 and the flap 30, advantageously betweenthe base 80 and the rod 79.

The base 80 includes a bush supported by the inner support 50 andmembers for guiding the vertical translation of the rod 79 in the bush.

The rod 79 is mounted in vertical translation in the base 80. Itincludes an upper end-of-travel stop, limiting its upward travel. It hasa head 82 mounted in a housing 83 of the strip 74.

A spring 81 is inserted between the rod 79 and the base 80. Itcontinuously biases the rod 79 upwards.

In the active closing configuration, shown in FIG. 3, the closing flap30 protrudes vertically in the slot 64. The strip 74 is outwardly flushwith the trim 48 of the console 20 at the upper edge 52. The upper edge78 of the strip 74 is positioned below the upper wall 60 of theconcealing cover 28 at that wall 60, without contact between the slidingmembers 76 and the wall 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the slot 64 and the housing 44 are thencompletely upwardly closed off by the cover 28 and by the closing flap30 in the slot 64, above the console 20. The outer appearance of thelayout assembly 10 is therefore very satisfactory.

In the retracted configuration, when the table 26 is placed in the slot64, the weight of the table 26 pushes the strip 74 downwards against theelastic biasing mechanism 70. The upper edge 78 of the strip is thenlowered substantially to the same level as the upper edge 52 of theconsole 20. The table 26 is positioned between the horizontal upper wall60 of the concealing cover 28 in the closed configuration and the upperedge 78 of the closing flap 30, offering a very satisfactory outerappearance.

As indicated above, and in reference to FIG. 6, the support base 22includes the frame 24 and the table 26 mounted moving on the frame 24between the retracted position and the deployed position.

The support device 22 includes a guide mechanism 90 for guiding themovement of the table 26 relative to the frame 24, able to guide thetable 26 over a unique trajectory relative to the frame 24 between theretracted position and the deployed position.

The frame 24 is completely received in the receiving housing 44 to beconcealed by the concealing cover 28 in the retracted position and inthe deployed horizontal position.

As illustrated by FIG. 6, the frame 24 includes two parallel legs 92,placed on both sides of the table 26, and at least one upper bearingcrosspiece 94 of the table 26, connecting the two legs 92. Itadvantageously includes at least one lower stiffening crosspiece 96transversely connecting the two legs 92.

Each leg 92 here has a thinner lower region 95 toward the rear to limitthe bulk of the frame 90 and allow the passage of functional elements ofthe aircraft, such as cables, behind the frame 90.

In this example, the frame 24 includes two parallel lower crosspieces 96respectively mounted in front of and behind the legs 92.

The upper crosspiece 94 extends horizontally, near the upper ends of thelegs 92.

The table 26 comprises at least one panel 100, 102 designed to extendhorizontally in the deployed horizontal position. It advantageouslyincludes a rear carriage 104 for connecting with the frame 24.

In this example, the table 26 comprises a base panel 100 and anadditional panel 102, articulated on the base panel 100 around ahorizontal axis between a position folded on the base panel 100, and anunfolded position from the base panel 100.

The base panel 100 has a cross-section substantially complementary tothat of the passage slot 64 to occupy the entire passage slot 64 in thedeployed horizontal position.

In the folded position, the additional panel 102 is pressed above thebase panel 100. In the folded position, the additional panel 102horizontally extends the base panel 100 away from the frame 24.

The rear carriage 104 is mounted sliding along the legs 92. It isconnected to the base panel 100 by brackets 108. It is jointlytranslatable and rotatable with the base panel 100.

The guide mechanism 90 comprises an upper assembly 110 for guiding thebase panel 100 relative to the frame 24, and a lateral assembly 112 forguiding the carriage 104 relative to the frame 24.

As illustrated by FIG. 6, the upper assembly 110 includes at least onebearing member 114, secured to the frame 24, defining a bearing point123 of the table 26 during its movement between the retracted positionand the deployed position. It includes, for each bearing member 114, aguide path 116 arranged below the table 26, to receive the bearingmember 114 and keep the position of the bearing point 123 globallyinvariable.

In this example, the upper assembly 110 includes two separate bearingmembers 114 respectively received in two parallel guide paths 116.

In reference to FIG. 7, each bearing member 114 includes a bracket 120attached on a crosspiece 94 and a rotating element 122, here a bronzering, mounted rotating on the bracket 120.

Each bearing member 114 defines a bearing point 123 with a globallyinvariable position relative to the frame 24, on which the table 26rests. Here, the bearing point 123 is situated on the outer surface ofthe rotating element 122, away from the rotation axis D-D′ of therotating element 122.

“Globally invariable” means that the position of the bearing point 123of the table 26 on the bearing member 114 remains identical even whenthe rotating element 122 rotates around its axis D-D′ and when the table26 moves away from the bearing member 114.

The rotating element 122 protrudes above the crosspiece 94, such thatthe bearing point 123 is situated above the crosspiece 94.

Each guide path 116 includes a hollow rail 124 arranged in the table 26,below the base panel 100, and at least one retaining blade 126 forretaining the rotating element 122 of the bearing member 114, protrudingacross from the hollow rail 124, to partially downwardly close thehollow rail 124.

Each guide path 116 extends along a deployment axis C-C′ substantiallyperpendicular to the main axis B-B′.

The rotating element 122 is able to slide in the hollow rail 124 alongthe axis C-C′ while being retained between the blade 126 and the bottomof the rail 124.

Thus, in each position of the table 26 from its retracted position toits deployed position, at least one point of the table 26 remainspositioned bearing on the bearing point 123 defined by the bearingmember 114.

The bearing members 114 define a pivot axis of the table 26 relative tothe frame 24, which here is substantially parallel to the main axisB-B′, and to the rotation axis D-D′ so that the table 26 deployslaterally relative to the console 20.

The table 26 therefore follows a stationary and reproducible trajectoryrelative to the frame 24 from its retracted position to its deployedposition and in the opposite direction, from its deployed positiontoward its retracted position.

The lateral guide assembly 112 includes, for each leg 92, a guide member130 supported by the carriage 104, a guide path 132 arranged in the leg92 along the latter, and a rack 133 able to cooperate with the guidemember 130.

The lateral guide assembly 112 further includes an elastic biasingmember 134, housed in the carriage 104, able to bias the table 26 awayfrom its retracted position, and a mechanism 136 for keeping the table26 in its retracted position.

In this example, each guide member 130 is mounted rotating in thecarriage 104 around an axis E-E′ parallel to the main axis B-B′. Theguide members 130 are mounted at opposite ends of a shared shaft 135,received in the carriage 104. The shaft 125 is mounted rotating aroundthe axis E-E′ relative to the carriage 104.

The guide path 132 is arranged longitudinally in the leg 92 along anaxis F-F′ inclined toward the rear relative to a vertical axis passingthrough the bearing point 123, by an angle advantageously smaller than10°.

The guide path 132 has an upper end laterally offset toward the rearrelative to the vertical axis passing through the bearing point 123. Theincline of the path 132 and the position of its upper end allow thetable 26 to pivot around the bearing point 123, while moving away fromthe bearing point 123 along the deployment axis C-C′.

The rack 133 extends along the path 132.

The guide member 130 is formed by a toothed wheel able to cooperate withthe rack 133 to allow the translational driving of the table 26 alongthe axis F-F′ by means of the carriage 104.

The elastic biasing member 134 is advantageously formed by a torsionspring inserted between each guide member 130 and the carriage 104, bymeans of the shaft 135. It is received in the carriage 104.

The torsion of the spring increases when the table 26 is in itsretracted position and decreases during movement of the table 26 towardthe deployed position, under the effect of the rotation of each guidemember 130 relative to the carriage 104.

Thus, the deployment of the elastic biasing member 134 is able to rotatethe shaft 135, and jointly, the guide members 130. The guide members 130then rise along the rack 133 in each guide path 132 driving the carriage104 and the panels 100, 102 of the table 26 upward.

The retaining mechanism 136 is able to selectively keep the table 26 inits retracted position against the biasing of the member 134. It is ableto be released by an occupant of the cabin 12, for example by actuatinga command button.

The operation of the layout assembly 10 according to an embodiment ofthe invention will now be described.

Initially, the table 26 is in its retracted position in the receivinghousing 44. The panels 100, 102 are folded on one another. The retainingmechanism 136 is active. The rotating members 130 are situated in alower part of each guide path 132. The elastic biasing of the member 136is maximal.

In the retracted position, the table 26 is inserted in the frame,between the legs 92. It occupies a vertical position or a positioninclined by an angle smaller than 10° relative to a vertical axis.

As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the cover 28 upwardly closes off thereceiving housing 44. The table 26 being positioned away from theclosing flap 30, it is not pressed on the latter. The closing flap 30 ispushed upward by each elastic biasing mechanism 70 and is kept in itsactive configuration concealing the slot 64 near the wall 60 of thecover 28, without contact therewith.

The outer aesthetic appearance of the assembly 10 is therefore verysatisfactory, since the receiving housing 44 is completely closed off onthe one hand by the cover 28, and on the other hand by the flap 30.

When the user wishes to deploy the table 26, he opens the cover 28 totilt it into its open configuration. He then frees the retainingmechanism 136.

Under the effect of the elastic biasing member 134, the guide members130 are rotated relative to the carriage 104 and rise along the guidepath 132, by cooperating with the rack 133.

The table 26 then moves by a combined translational movement along theaxis F-F′ defined by the legs 92 and rotational movement around an axisdefined by the bearing points 123 on the bearing members 114, up to anintermediate position for grasping the table 26, advantageouslyrevealing a handle.

During this movement, the rotating elements 122 of the bearing members114 are rotated and slide in a rail 124 of the guide path 116.

The table 26 then moves laterally away from the frame 24 by simultaneoussliding and pivoting.

Each retaining blade 126 keeps the bearing member 114 in the guide path116, enslaving the movement of the table 26 to a stationary andreproducible trajectory.

In the inclined intermediate position of the table 26, the useradvantageously grasps the base panel 100 and gradually moves it awayfrom the frame 24 until reaching the deployed horizontal position.

When the table 26 comes into contact with the closing flap 30 at thesliding members 76 of the flap 30, it pushes the closing flap 30downward under the effect of its weight (see FIG. 5).

The closing flap 30 is guided in vertical translation relative to theconsole 20 owing to the mechanisms 70, in particular by sliding of eachrod 79 in the base 80 against the biasing of the spring 81. The flap 30gradually retracts against the biasing mechanism 70, by a simpletranslational movement, until it reaches its retracted configuration.

This greatly simplifies the structure of the layout assembly 10, sinceno complex mechanism is necessary to retract the closing flap 30 whenthe slot 64 must be freed for the passage of the table 26.

In the deployed horizontal position, shown in FIG. 8, the table 26protrudes horizontally along the axis C-C′ perpendicular to the mainaxis B-B′. The carriage 104 is then positioned near the upper crosspiece94.

In reference to FIGS. 2 and 8, the table 26 rests bearing stably on eachbearing member 114, and on the sliding members 76 of the closing flap30, by means of the base panel 100. The table 26 remains separated fromthe upper edge 52 of the console 20.

The user then closes the concealing cover 28. The thin upper wall region60 is positioned above the upper surface of the base panel 100,producing an esthetic effect similar to being flush.

The base panel 100 is received in a complementary manner in the passageslot 64.

Thus, the receiving housing 44 containing the frame 24 and the guidemechanism 90 is completely concealed, which provides a very agreeableesthetic appearance for the user.

The additional panel 102 can be deployed to elongate the length of thedeployed table 26.

The overall esthetic appearance of the layout assembly 10 is thereforegreatly improved, both in the retracted position of the table 26 and inthe deployed horizontal position of the table 26, which are the two mainusage positions.

This effect is obtained particularly simply, without having to providecomplex mechanisms with complicated movements, in particular inrotation.

Furthermore, the deployment kinetics of the table 26 on the frame 24 areguided appropriately by the guide mechanism 90, to ensure a reproducibletrajectory and substantial stiffness during the deployment of the table26.

The stiffness is in particular obtained by providing bearing points 123with a globally invariable position of the table 26 on the bearingmembers 114 mounted on the frame 24, and by keeping these bearingmembers 114 in the guide paths 116 provided below the table 26.

Furthermore, the presence of the elastic biasing member 134 assists theuser in the manual deployment of the table 26, particularly compactlyand simply.

When the table 26 must be folded again, the movements previouslydescribed are done in the opposite order.

Alternatively, the bearing members 114 have no rotating elements 122.They are for example made from a material limiting friction, such asPTFE.

In another alternative (not shown), the bearing members 114 are made inone piece with the frame 24.

In still another alternative (not shown), the guide paths 116 protrudedownward relative to the table 26, and each bearing point is defined ina notch arranged on the frame 24 to receive the guide path 116.

In one alternative, at least one jack (not shown) actuates the movementof the table 26 on the frame 24.

Also alternatively, the movement of the table 26 on the frame 24 iscaused by a motor activated by the user.

In another alternative, the guide path 130 is vertical, while having anupper end laterally offset toward the rear relative to a vertical axispassing through the bearing point 123.

In still another alternative, the flap 30 is downwardly deployable fromthe cover 28. It can be moved by the table 26 to retract upward underthe effect of the weight of the cover 28.

What is claimed is:
 1. A supporting device for an interior layoutassembly of an aircraft cabin, the supporting device comprising: astationary frame; a table deployable relative to the frame between aretracted position and a horizontal deployed position; and a guide forguiding the movement of the table relative to the frame between theretracted position and the deployed horizontal position, the guidedefining at least one bearing point for the table during a passage ofthe table from the retracted position to the deployed horizontalposition, the at least one bearing point having a globally invariableposition relative to the frame, the table being pivotable on the atleast one bearing point while moving laterally away relative to the atleast one bearing point, by sliding on the at least one bearing point,to the deployed position.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1 whereinthe at least one bearing point protrudes upward relative to the frame.3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the guide includes a bearingmember mounted rotating around a stationary axis relative to the frame,the at least one bearing point being defined on the bearing member. 4.The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the table includes a guide pathfor guiding the sliding of the table on the at least one bearing point.5. The device as recited in claim 4 wherein the at least one bearingpoint cooperates with the guide path.
 6. The device as recited in claim4 wherein the guide comprises a rail inserted in the table, the raildefining the guide path.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein thetable is configured to press on the at least one bearing point from theretracted position to the deployed horizontal position, the guide beingconfigured so that the table follows a unique and reproducibletrajectory from the retracted position to the deployed horizontalposition.
 8. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the frame includesat least one substantially vertical leg, the guide comprising at leastone guide path for guiding the table along the leg.
 9. The device asrecited in claim 8 wherein the guide path is arranged through the leg,the guide including a guide member movable jointly with the table, theguide member being mounted in the guide path.
 10. The device as recitedin claim 9 wherein the guide comprises a rack, the guide membercomprising a toothed wheel.
 11. The device as recited in claim 9 whereinthe table includes a carriage, the guide member being mounted rotatingin the carriage.
 12. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the upperend of the guide path is laterally offset relative to a vertical axispassing through the at least one bearing point, the guide path beinginclined relative to the vertical axis passing through the at least onebearing point or being parallel to the vertical axis passing through theat least one bearing point.
 13. The device as recited in claim 1 whereinthe guide includes at least one elastic biaser configured to drive thetable upward relative to the frame.
 14. The device as recited in claim13 wherein the table includes a carriage, the guide member being mountedrotating in the carriage, the elastic biaser being mounted in thecarriage between the guide member and the carriage.
 15. An interiorlayout assembly of an aircraft cabin comprising: the device as recitedin claim 1; a console defining a housing for receiving the tableemerging through a deployment opening, the table being deployablethrough the deployment opening between the retracted position arrangedin the receiving housing and a deployed horizontal position; and a covermounted on the console, the cover being movable between an openconfiguration for passage of the table and a closed configurationclosing off the deployment opening.
 16. An interior layout method of anaircraft cabin comprising: providing the device as recited in claim 1,the table being in the retracted position; and moving the table from theretracted position to the deployed horizontal position, the tablepressing on the at least one bearing point and pivoting around the atleast one bearing point while moving laterally away from the at leastone bearing point by sliding on the at least one bearing point to thedeployed position.